Apply now for the Professorship of Veterinary Science and Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine

The Board of Electors to the Professorship of Veterinary Science invite applications for this Professorship from persons whose work is connected with veterinary science (ideally in research aligned with One Health) to take up appointment in 2027. In addition to serving as Professor of Veterinary Science, the postholder will serve as Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine (for five years in the first instance, with the option for renewal), providing strategic vision, intellectual direction, and transformational leadership for one of the world’s leading centres of veterinary teaching, research, and clinical excellence.

The Department of Veterinary Medicine is the Veterinary School of the University of Cambridge, the highest-rated research university in the United Kingdom, and one of the top five research universities in the world. The Department has a national and international reputation for excellence in veterinary science and education and recently ranked fourth in the world in the Top QS Universities rankings. With a renewed commitment to veterinary education from the University, the Department is entering a period of significant change and renewal, providing an opportunity for the new Head to shape the future of veterinary medicine at Cambridge and reinforce its position as a global leader in veterinary science, research and clinical innovation. 

Candidates will have an outstanding research record of international stature in veterinary science or a related area, together with demonstrable academic and research leadership experience, including substantial experience of leading successful research programmes, delivering high-quality teaching, and fostering excellence across research, education and ideally also clinical service environments. Candidates should also bring demonstrable experience leading, or contributing significantly to, successful external accreditation processes. The ideal candidate will bring an understanding of veterinary medicine and the evolving needs of the veterinary profession, together with the vision, ambition and enthusiasm to lead the Department through transformational change and renewal. They will hold a PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification.

Standard professorial duties include teaching and research, examining, supervision and administration. As Head of Department, the postholder will provide strategic and intellectual leadership, setting the Department’s academic direction and long-term vision. They will foster a culture of excellence, innovation, collegiality and inclusive, values-driven leadership across teaching, research and clinical domains.  The Professor will be based in Cambridge.  A competitive salary will be offered.

For more information, a detailed candidate pack is available here.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Dr Graham Little at McLean Partnership on +44 (0)203 725 3757 or via email at grahamlittle@mcleanpartnership.com.

Applications should consist of a letter of application, a statement of current and future research plans, a curriculum vitae and a publications list, along with details of three referees. Applications should be submitted via email to  vetsci@mcleanpartnership.com no later than Monday 19^th October 2026.